It’s better to breathe in this big SC city than nearly any other in the US. Here’s why

South Carolina has the third easiest city to breathe in across the U.S., a new study shows.

Forbes Health recently compiled a study that analyzed various factors to find the U.S. cities where it’s easiest and hardest to breathe. In the U.S. alone, 40% of the population lives in areas with poor air quality, according to the 2022 State of the Air report from the American Lung Association.

So, which South Carolina city made the cut as one of the most breathable in the U.S.?

Charleston earned the ranking of third easiest U.S. city to breathe in, the study shows. The factors that helped Charleston obtain its ranking include:

• Ranked 13th in number of vehicle miles driven
• Ranked 6th in elevation
• Ranked 28th in population density

Study methodology

The study examined factors that can impact breathing, such as air quality, elevation, population density and vehicle use. The study looked at the 256 most populated cities to determine the areas in the U.S. where it’s easiest and hardest to breathe. Data was used from sources including the Environmental Protection Agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Leading causes of poor air quality

Particle pollution and ground-level ozone are among the most detrimental to a person’s respiratory health.

High levels of particle pollution exist in places with many factories and cities with busy roads. Wildfires, along with contained fires like fireplaces and wood burning stoves, also cause particle pollution, the study states.

Meanwhile, high levels of ozone pollution can irritate airways and exacerbate lung conditions.

How to protect lung health and reduce cancer risk

According to the CDC, there are steps people can take to reduce the risk of lung cancer and better protect their lung health.

• Don’t smoke: Cigarette smoking causes about 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths in the U.S.
• Avoid secondhand smoke: Make your home and car smoke-free.
• Test home for radon: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends all homes be tested for radon.
• Work safety: Following all health and safety guidelines in the workplace can help workers avoid carcinogens — things that can cause cancer.

The top 10 U.S. cities where it’s easiest to breathe

1. Anchorage, Alaska
2. Honolulu, Hawaii
3. Charleston, South Carolina
4. Cape Coral, Florida
5. Cedar Rapids, Iowa
6. Fremont, California
7. Portland, Maine
8. Madison, Wisconsin
9. Virginia Beach, Virginia
10. Shreveport, Louisiana

The top 10 U.S. cities where it’s hardest to breathe

1. Phoenix, Arizona
2. Glendale, California
3. San Bernardino, California
4. Fontana, California
5. Rochester, Minnesota
6. Riverside, California
7. Pasadena, California
8. Pomona, California
9. Ontario, California
10. Kansas City, Kansas

Patrick McCreless

The State

803-771-8353

Patrick McCreless is the Southeast service journalism editor for McClatchy, who leads and edits a team of six reporters in South Carolina, Georgia and Mississippi. The team writes about trending news of the day and topics that help readers in their daily lives and better informs them about their communities. He attended Jacksonville State University in Alabama and grew up in Tuscaloosa, AL.